20 Temples in Ehime worth your time

An ancient Shingon temple founded in 740, famous for its hidden Jizo deity and traditional fire-walking rituals.

What it is

• A Buddhist temple belonging to the Koyasan Shingon sect founded in 740.
• Commonly known as Mebiki Jizo, it enshrines the Enmei Jizo Sanzon deity.
• One of ten significant Shingon temples located in the Saijo region.
• The temple moved to its current location in 1605 after previous destruction.

What to see

• The Fudo Hall which serves as a center for Shugendo training.
• A Reihai Hall that enshrines the famous monk Kobo Daishi.
• The main hidden Buddha statue which is only displayed once every century.

When to go

• The February festival features a traditional fire-walking ritual performed by practitioners.

Read more about Daifuk Ji Buddhist temple

Shin-Hasedera is a historic temple in Shikokuchuo, part of a pilgrimage, known for its hidden Kannon.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon sect temple.
• Founded in 729, rebuilt in 1635.
• The 27th sacred site of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.
• Dedicated to the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva.

What to see

• The main image is a hidden Buddha, unveiled every 33 years.
• The wooden Eleven-faced Kannon statue is 1.8 meters tall.
• The Kannon statue is a designated cultural property.
• The Nio-mon gate is a designated cultural property.
• The Nio-mon gate was built in the early Edo period.

Getting there

• About 20 minutes by taxi from Iyo-Mishima Station.

Address

愛媛県四国中央市寒川町3214 Map

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Hōju-in Temple is a pilgrimage site with unique Jizō statues for family well-being.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple in Tōon, Ehime Prefecture.
• It is the 45th Fudasho of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.
• Dedicated to Enmei Jizō Bosatsu, principal image survived a 1915 fire.

What to see

• Main hall houses a seated Enmei Jizō Bosatsu statue.
• Chichi Jizō-son-dō enshrines a stone statue.
• Stone statue is for safe childbirth, conception, and child-rearing.
• The Gōdai Myōō-zu, a treasure, survived the 1915 fire.

Getting there

• About a 5-minute taxi ride from Iyotetsu Yokogawara Line.

Address

愛媛県東温市西岡1402番地1 Map

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Maegami-ji Temple is a historic pilgrimage site with important cultural properties and mountain connections.

What it is

• Head temple of the Shingon Ishizuchi sect.
• 64th temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• Founded by En no Gyoja.
• Designated an imperial prayer temple by Emperor Kanmu.

What to see

• Principal image is a hidden Buddha in the main hall.
• Bronze Amitabha Nyorai statue is a Prefectural Cultural Property.
• Ancient documents related to Ishizuchi Shugendo are a City Cultural Property.

When to go

• Fire ritual held three times a year.

Getting there

• 0.7 km from Ishizuchisan Station.

Address

愛媛県西条市洲之内甲1426番地 Map

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Ancient temple founded by an emperor, part of a pilgrimage, with a hidden Buddha and historic well.

What it is

• Founded in 640 by Emperor Jomei.
• Belongs to the Shingon-shu Omuro-ha sect.
• 35th Fudasho of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.
• Moved to its current location in 1672.

What to see

• Main hall's principal image is a hidden Buddha.
• Bell tower stands on the temple grounds.
• Guest hall is called Iwakura-den.
• Gyōja's Well was dug by Kukai.
• Wooden seated Jizo Bosatsu statue is a cultural property.
• Old Edo Higan cherry tree is on the grounds.

Getting there

• About 2km from Iyo-Miyoshi Station.

Address

愛媛県西条市実報寺甲758 Map

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Shōmyō-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple, founded in 850, and a pilgrimage site.

What it is

• A temple of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism.
• Founded in 850 by Priest Sōtei.
• The 48th sacred site of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.
• Moved to its current location in the early Edo period.

What to see

• The principal image is Amitābha Tathāgata.
• The principal image was created by sculptor Kasuga Motomitsu.
• A tomb for Minamoto no Noriyori from the Jōei era.
• Documents are tangible cultural properties of Iyo City.

Getting there

• About a 10-minute taxi ride from Iyo City Station.

Address

愛媛県伊予市上吾川1418 Map

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Senyū-ji Temple is a historic pilgrimage site with a hot spring and scenic views.

What it is

• Kōyasan Shingon sect temple.
• 58th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Founded by Ochi Morioki under imperial command.
• Restored by Kūkai during his Shikoku pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main deity is Senju Kannon Bosatsu.
• Main deity statue is 1.8 meters tall, from late Heian period.
• Five-storied pagoda is a cultural property.
• Natural hot spring and shukubo (temple lodging).
• Scenic views from Hachimanyama, Inuzuka Pond, Sareizan.

When to go

• Summer Festival is held on August 9th.

Address

愛媛県今治市玉川町別所甲483 Map

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Koryu-ji Temple is a historic Shingon temple known for its autumn leaves and cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shingon sect Buddhist temple.
• Main deity is Senju Sen-gen Kanzeon Bosatsu.
• 10th sacred site of the Shikoku Betsukaku Nijū Reijō.
• 22nd sacred site of the Shikoku Sanjūroku Fudōson.

What to see

• Main hall built in 1375, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Hōkyōintō memorial tower for Minamoto no Yoritomo.
• Bronze bell from 1286, an Important Cultural Property.
• Triple pagoda from 1836, an Ehime Prefecture Cultural Property.

When to go

• Known for its beautiful autumn leaves.

Address

愛媛県西条市丹原町古田1657 Map

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Takanawaji Temple, founded in the 7th century, offers a historic spiritual experience with unique Kannon statues.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Daigo-ha Buddhist temple.
• Founded during Emperor Tenji's reign by Ochi Morioki.
• Principal image is the Eleven-faced Senju Kannon Bosatsu.
• Kobo Daishi renamed it Takano-san Takanawaji.

What to see

• A Nio-mon gate that also serves as a bell tower.
• Wooden standing statue of Senju Kannon carved in 706.
• This Kannon statue is an Ehime Prefecture cultural property.

When to go

• Principal image unveiled on August 9th.
• Principal image unveiled on the fourth Sunday of October.

Address

愛媛県松山市立岩米之野459 高縄山山頂 Map

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Eifuku-ji Temple: a historic pilgrimage site with unique features and important statues.

What it is

• Koyasan Shingon sect temple, founded by Kukai.
• Established during the Konin era (810-824 AD).
• The 57th temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• Known for foot and back protection.

What to see

• Main hall enshrines a hidden Amitabha Nyorai statue.
• Daishido allows viewing of the Daishi statue.
• Yakushido allows viewing of the Yakushi Nyorai statue.
• Bell tower stands on the temple grounds.
• Haiku monument is next to the water ablution pavilion.
• Iwashimizu Hachimangu is the inner sanctuary.

Address

愛媛県今治市玉川町八幡甲200 Map

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Monju-in Temple is a historic Buddhist site, birthplace of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, with unique ancient mounds.

What it is

• Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect.
• Dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu and Monju Bosatsu.
• Birthplace of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• Part of two Shikoku pilgrimage routes.

What to see

• Hidden Monju Bosatsu statue in the main hall.
• Bishamonten enshrined in the Bishamon-do hall.
• Eight ancient mounds called Yatsuzuka.
• Yatsukubo with eight depressions and spring water.
• Yatsuzuka Group Kofun are historic monuments.

When to go

• Bishamon-do hall opens on New Year's Day.

Address

愛媛県松山市恵原町308 Map

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Shusseki-ji Temple is a mountain temple with cultural properties and scenic views.

What it is

• A Shingon Omuro school temple.
• Main deity is Senju Sen-gen Kanzeon Bosatsu.
• 43rd Fudasho of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• 7th Fudasho of the Shikoku Bekkaku 20 Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall on the highest point of Mount Izushi.
• Nationally designated Important Cultural Property: a bronze bell.
• Prefectural tangible cultural property: wooden seated Shaka Nyorai statue.
• Prefectural designated scenic spot: Kinzan Shusseki-ji.
• City-designated natural monument: a Katsura tree.

Address

愛媛県大洲市豊茂乙1 Map

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Taihō-ji Temple is a historic site with Japan's oldest wooden building, offering a glimpse into ancient architecture.

What it is

• Founded in 701 by Ochi Iyomori Tamoki.
• Named after the year of its founding.
• Belongs to the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect.
• Served as a prayer temple for Matsuyama domain lords.

What to see

• Main hall is Ehime Prefecture's oldest wooden building.
• Main hall is a designated National Treasure.
• Main hall interior is in late Heian period Amidado style.
• Main image is a seated Amitabha Nyorai statue.
• Several nationally designated Important Cultural Properties are housed here.

Address

〒790-0062 愛媛県松山市南江戸五丁目10番1号 Map

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Ishite-ji Temple is a historic Shingon temple and pilgrimage site with impressive architecture.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple.
• Main image is Yakushi Nyorai.
• 51st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Associated with the legend of Emon Saburo.

What to see

• Nio-mon gate is a National Treasure.
• Main Hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Three-storied Pagoda is an Important Cultural Property.
• Kariteimo Ten-do hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Bell Tower is an Important Cultural Property.
• Two kofun burial mounds are on the grounds.

Address

愛媛県松山市石手2丁目9-21 Map

Official site

nehan.net

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Sankaku-ji Temple is a historic pilgrimage site with unique statues and a beautiful cherry tree.

What it is

• The 65th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Founded by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (730-749).
• Dedicated to the Eleven-faced Kannon.
• Named for a triangular pond on its grounds.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1849.
• A 7-meter tall bronze Jizo Bosatsu statue.
• A 300-year-old mountain cherry tree.
• The wooden Eleven-faced Kannon statue, a cultural property.

When to go

• The main deity is unveiled every 60 years.

Address

愛媛県四国中央市金田町三角寺75 Map

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Butsumoku-ji Temple is a historic pilgrimage site with ancient statues and a unique bell tower.

What it is

• It is a Shingon-shu Omuro-ha temple.
• Kukai founded the temple in 807.
• It is the 42nd Fudasho of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• Its principal image is Dainichi Nyorai.

What to see

• The main hall was built in 1728.
• The temple has a bell tower with a thatched roof.
• A wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai statue from 1275.
• A wooden seated Kobo Daishi statue from 1315.

When to go

• The main image is lit up on January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Address

愛媛県宇和島市三間町則1683 Map

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Visit Kōgan-ji Temple to see a rare medieval-style pagoda, a designated cultural property.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Daikaku-ji school temple.
• Founded in 1652 by Koya-san Kaijun.

What to see

• The Kōgan-ji three-story pagoda.
• Pagoda is an Ehime Prefecture designated cultural property.
• Pagoda retains older forms from the medieval period.
• First story has fan-shaped rafters.
• Second story and above have parallel rafters.

Getting there

• 12-minute walk from Iyo-Mishima Station.
• Iyo-Mishima Station is on the JR Yosan Line.

Address

愛媛県四国中央市三島宮川3-19-16 Map

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Sendan-ji Temple, or Seta Yakushi, is a historic temple with a unique main deity.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon sect temple.
• Commonly known as Seta Yakushi.
• Founded in 724, according to legend.
• The 36th Fudasho of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.

What to see

• A standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the main deity.
• The Kondo, built in 2021.
• Yakushi Sanzon and Juni Shinsho statues inside the Kondo.
• Setayama, part of the Setonaikai National Park.

When to go

• Attend the 'Kyuri Kaji' event on Doyo no Ushi no Hi.

Address

愛媛県西条市楠乙454 Map

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Daihō-ji Temple is a historic pilgrimage site with significant cultural properties.

What it is

• It is a Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple.
• It is the 44th temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Established by imperial order of Emperor Monmu.
• Kūkai (Kobo Daishi) visited in 822.

What to see

• Main image is a Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu.
• Main hall rebuilt in 1925.
• Daishido rebuilt in 1984.
• Two bell towers, east and west.
• Kongō Rikishi statues are town cultural properties.
• Iyo Henro-michi Daihō-ji-michi is a national historic site.

Address

愛媛県上浮穴郡久万高原町菅生2番耕地1173番地2 Map

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Koun-ji is a Soto Zen temple with unique statues and historical artifacts worth exploring.

What it is

• Soto Zen Buddhist temple.
• Main deity is Senju Kannon Bosatsu.
• 5th Fuku-roku-ju of Setouchi Shichifukujin Reijo.

What to see

• Temple gate has Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten statues.
• Main hall is present.
• Yokodono Daimyojin Honjido houses a Daitsu Chisho Nyorai seated statue.
• Fukurokuju stone statue and twelve zodiac Jizo stone statues.
• Kansho Jizo is an Ehime Prefecture designated historic site.
• Kansho Jizo enshrines Shimomi Kichijuro.

Address

愛媛県今治市上浦町瀬戸1754 Map

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